I'm looking for as good definition for the word "co-opt"

Factual Questions
1

Hi,

I’m looking for as good definition for the word “co-opt”.
I look forward to your feedback.
davidmich

2

To appropriate.

3

what about co-opting a person for a particular purpose? I’m not sure if it’s meant in the sense of voluntarily or in voluntarily/without the person’s knowledge.

4

Did you mean ‘definition’ or ‘synonym’?

I don’t think there’s a precise synonym, You can try (as Jragon said) ‘appropriate’; or use ‘ally’ or appoint’, but none of them have the full meaning of ‘bringing someone in to help’.

5

I’m looking for a definition if possible.

6

co-opt = adopted the same abstract thing as some other group or person. If you can’t beat 'em, join 'em. If you can’t join 'em, copy 'em.

Here’s a wildly loaded example that probably isn’t GQ material, but that’s kind of where you have to go to demonstrate this:- "By portraying themselves as persecuted victims, conservatives are co-opting a strategy that they see as being instrumental to the success of liberals.

7

What’s wrong with using the dictionary?

Whether it is voluntary or involuntary depends on context.

8

It can easily be either of those -

  1. To elect as a fellow member of a group.
  2. To appoint summarily.
  3. To take or assume for one’s own use; appropriate: co-opted the criticism by embracing it.
  4. To neutralize or win over (an independent minority, for example) through assimilation into an established group or culture: co-opt rebels by giving them positions of authority.

Context should determine if the co-opting is assumed or imposed, voluntary or involuntary.